Samantha Brown ~ Places to Love Blog
Considering I’ve had a chance to travel throughout this country over the years, I like to think I know a thing or two about picking some of the best summer vacation spots in the US!
There really is nothing like traveling between the months of June and August. The weather is just about perfect in all fifty states; kids have off, and the sunnier days make everyone want to take a nice break from the normal 9-5. This also feels like the first year where things are truly back to normal. I no longer feel like I’m using my vacation time to visit friends and family I’d not seen during the pandemic, and that urge of “revenge travel” or paying more than I normally would for a bucket list destination doesn’t feel so strong.
Whether you’re looking for a classic beach vacation full of tanned skin and icy drinks, hoping to finally visit a historic city you’ve been wanting to explore, or just planning to escape the heat altogether for the cooler climates, I think any of these summer destinations will make for an excellent getaway!
Tips for Summer Travel this Year
Plan to make your pennies go farther.
I mean have you seen the price of groceries? One big tip I have for this summer vacation is to try to stretch your pennies more than you normally would on a trip. Look into your destination’s public transportation options (some places are better than you’d think.) If you’re driving, figure out the cheapest gas stations by downloading an app like Gasbuddy. Book places with kitchens so you can cook some meals instead of always eating out. I personally love a hotel with a kitchenette. Check any potential discounts, this is where your AAA or AARP membership comes in handy, and see if any of the places you visit have free days or free time periods. There are really a ton of ways you can save money when traveling that we sometimes forget about!
Don’t underestimate your local train routes.
You’d be surprised at how easy and affordable it can be to hop onto a train and be in a brand new destination. I know it’s common to take the train in Europe and Asia, but I do think we underestimate how convenient American train travel can be. For example, from New York City, I can hop on Amtrak and stop into fun places like Philadelphia, Washington D.C, or Boston in a matter of hours. Train stations are well organized so families need not worry when traveling with kids, and if you buy tickets in advance, you can get them for rock bottom prices.
Just check your nearest train station and see where you can go; I promise it goes more places than you’d expect.
Consider doing a road trip.
On the flipside, I’ll never say no to a fun road trip! There are so many scenic drives in America, you really can plan out any route and just go. Plus, with the summer months, you can pretty much guarantee every state will have nice weather, so no need to worry about the elements impacting your trip.
Make flying as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Don’t get me wrong, flying is never not a little bit stressful. But there are many, many ways to make it a nicer experience. Look into getting TSA Precheck or Global Entry and avoid those looooong security lines. While each option has a bit of a fee, many credit cards will also reimburse you. Pack carry-on only so you don’t have to wait in line to check in your bag and then wait around the baggage claim carousel. (Not to mention you no longer risk your airline losing your luggage!) Check-in online and see if you can get your ticket ahead of time via e-mail or mobile device. Also if you’re traveling with families, don’t forget about the family assist line all airports have. It’s not official but all airports offer it, and if an agent doesn’t help you out, just ask.
Be sure to book as far in advance as possible.
Summer is high season for most vacation spots in the U.S. museums and attractions have timed entries that could fill up which means you’ll want to book ahead as much as possible. Not only will this save some money, it also guarantees you can get into the landmarks you want to see and eat at the restaurants you want to try. Many restaurants have reservation systems now and especially in bigger cities, it’s hard to just drop in and get a table.
20 of the Best Summer Vacation Spots in the US
Inside Passage of Alaska
The Inside Passage of Alaska is truly like stepping into the most beautiful painting you’ve ever seen. Because of how icy Alaska can get in the winter months, you can really only cruise the Inside Passage from mid-May to mid-September, making it a true summer vacation spot. From dog sledding without snow to seeing some truly breathtaking landscapes to learning more about Sealaskan culture, you’re sure to have the type of trip everyone will be talking about years from now.
Big Sur & Monterey, CA
Located along the northern coast of California and part of the famed Pacific Coast Highway, the land that stretches between Big Sur and Monterey Bay is probably one of the most ruggedly breathtaking places in the entire country. The whole distance is less than thirty miles, so you can take your time to enjoy the views and stay in the various towns on the way, like Santa Cruz, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pacific Grove. Plan for light hiking, visits to wineries, and even a soak in some hot springs. Whether you spend a weekend or a week, you’ll never get tired of the views.
St. Augustine, FL
While Florida is home to a number of places perfect for a summer trip, nowhere is quite like St. Augustine. As the oldest city in the United States, it’s absolutely brimming with history and landmarks older than the country itself! But don’t think it’s stuck in the past. With an innovative food scene and a commitment to preserving its beautiful beaches and ecosystem, this city constantly feels as though it’s reinventing itself. Whether you plan to explore the ancient Castillo de San Marcos, spend all day out on the water, or experience an asado, I guarantee everyone will find something to love.
Asheville, NC
To give you an idea of how Asheville has managed to mix mountain culture with a creative spirit, just know that it was nicknamed the “Paris of the South” back in the 1900s. Part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this eclectic city is perfect for anyone who’d rather eschew a coastal summer vacation and instead head to the mountains. There are so many unique things to do in Asheville, it’ll be hard to narrow what you want to see down! Enjoy the city’s French-inspired architecture, especially the iconic Biltmore Estate, take advantage of being close to multiple national and state parks, and don’t miss out on experiencing the many, many subcultures and communities that call this place home. I’m warning you, though, you might only plan for a weekend and then fall in love enough to stay forever!
Savannah, GA
Romantic Savannah, Georgia is one of the prettiest places to visit come summer. When it comes to visiting, be prepared to slow down, enjoy that classic Southern hospitality, and simply enjoy your beautiful surroundings. From picturesque architecture to pathways lined with Spanish moss, Savannah is too charming to speed through! Check out its different neighborhoods from the newly created Plant Riverside District to the charming Starland District. In between your summertime wandering, be sure to take the time to learn more about Savannah’s complex history.
Orange County, CA
Further south along the California coast, there’s a reason Orange County, stretched along 42 miles of coastline between Los Angeles and San Diego, was a character all its own in not just one but two popular TV shows from the early aughts. Soak up the sun at some of the most famous beaches in the country; try your hand at surfing, and be sure to relax and take in the very SoCal vibes that have attracted millions of people here for decades.
Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Lake has to be one of the more underrated summer destinations in California especially for anyone planning a road trip through the state. Located in San Bernardino Mountains, it’s surrounded by San Bernardino National Forest and perfect for anyone looking for a more adventurous vacation. Spend your days hiking through the forest (or driving a 60s-style, eco-friendly dune buggy!) before getting out on the lake and stopping at one of the many local eateries for some live music and traditional Santa Maria barbecue.
Oregon (RV Trip)
There’s really nothing quite as classic as a family RV trip. It’s a bit of a relief not to have to constantly unpack and there’s a certain joy in known you have the flexibility to explore as much or as little of a region as you want. Plus, you’ll save plenty of money on hotels, and your kids will love the adventure of it all.